Design Lesson

Design lesson: Playing with patterned tiles

Patterned tiles are all the rage. We’ve seen them at historic sites and commercial establishments for quite some time (check out @ihavethisthingwithfloors on Instagram for proof), but they’re making their way into residential spaces at lightning speed. You can attain either an old- or new-world look at home with two types of tile available in the marketplace: cement and porcelain.

Cement tiles are handmade by pouring pigmented mixtures and cement layers into a mould and compressing them, while mass-produced porcelain tiles are made by glazing and firing clay at high temperatures for long periods of time.

PorcelainPros: Durable and long lasting; stain and scratch resistant; easy to clean; generally less expensive; ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways.Cons: Can lack character from being machine made; more difficult to cut during installation.

CementPros:Eco-friendly; handmade for lots of character and charm; perfect for bathroom floors and backsplashes in kitchens.Cons: Need to be sealed periodically; slight imperfections from being made by hand; weight means shipping can be expensive.

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Design lesson: Playing with patterned tiles

Keep focus on the tiles

Tip: Keep the rest of the elements in the room “quiet”, like your kitchen accessories, so the focus stays on the patterned tile, as shown in this kitchen featuring Walker Zanger ceramic tile.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Stacy Begg
Source: Walker Zanger

Design lesson: Playing with patterned tiles

Try monochromatic

I prefer patterned tiles that are monochromatic, like these graphic black and white ones from the Cement Tile Shop. The more colours there are in the tile, the more difficult it’s going to be to work other elements into the room.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Stacy Begg
Source: Ashley Capp

Design lesson: Playing with patterned tiles

Like colour?

Try this geometric option in shades of blue with a touch of yellow. It makes a statement but is subtle enough to share space with other bold elements. Cement Tangier tile in Black, Atmosphere, Velvet Sky, Malibu Blue & Maple Sugar, 8" x 8", Creekside Tile, $34 per sq. ft.

Design lesson: Playing with patterned tiles

Calming hues

Let these tiles do the talking. With a circular pattern and grey tones you won't need many more statements in this space. Eastern Promise cement Mamounia tiles in Palazzo, 8" x 8", Ann Sacks, $32 per sq. ft.

Design lesson: Playing with patterned tiles

Make a statement

Subtle yet striking these tiles will amp up any space. Stick to a monochromatic palette throughout the room to keep these tiles the focus of any space. Pacific Collection cement Star tiles in Black, White & Light Grey, 8" x 8", Cement Tile Shop, $16 US per sq. ft.